The Greatness of the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgā-māhātmya): Saudāsa/Kalmāṣapāda’s Curse and Release
समुद्यतं गुरुं शप्तं दृष्ट्वा भूयो रुपान्वितम् । मदयंती प्रियातस्य प्रत्युवाचाथ सुव्रता ॥ ३० ॥
samudyataṃ guruṃ śaptaṃ dṛṣṭvā bhūyo rupānvitam | madayaṃtī priyātasya pratyuvācātha suvratā || 30 ||
尊き師が立ち上がり呪詛を発し、再び明らかな姿を備えたのを見て、貞淑なるマダヤンティー(Madayantī)—彼に愛される人—は答えた。
Narrator (Suta-style narration within the Purana’s dialogue framework)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna (compassion)
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka (fear)
It highlights dharmic composure: even when a revered person is provoked to curse, the “suvratā” (woman of good vows) responds thoughtfully, implying restraint and virtue amid conflict.
Bhakti is indirectly supported through the ethic of humility and controlled speech—qualities praised in Purāṇic storytelling as foundations for devotion and sattvic conduct.
Vyākaraṇa-style clarity is implicit in the careful use of epithets like “guru” and “suvratā,” emphasizing precise designation of roles (venerable elder, vow-observant woman) that guides correct interpretation of dharma narratives.